Red Stars Preseason Roster Announced

CHICAGO (Mar. 11, 2013) - The Chicago Red Stars have announced their opening day roster for the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). With preseason beginning today around the league, 27 players will join the Red Stars as they make their return to the women's professional soccer ranks, after two successful semi-professional seasons.

The Red Stars roster began to take shape with the allocation of long-time USWNT player and Olympic gold-medalist Shannon Boxx, as well as Canadian National Team players and Olympic bronze-medalists Erin McLeod and Carmelina Moscato, and Mexican National Team stalwart Maribel Dominguez and Dinora Garza.

Through free agency five players were added including two with extensive USWNT experience, Lori Chalupny and Leslie Osborne, as well Taryn Hemmings, Ella Masar, and Jessica McDonald.

During the NWSL College Draft on January 18 the Red Stars used the overall #1 pick to select Zakiya Bywaters from UCLA. With subsequent picks the Red Stars added Rachel Quon (Stanford), Taylor Vancil (Florida State), and Jen Hoy (Princeton).

A supplemental draft was held on February 7 where the Red Stars obtained the rights to Lindsay Tarpley, Lauren Fowlkes, Michelle Wenino, Jackie Santacaterina, and Alyssa Mautz.

Julianne Sitch and Lydia Vandenbergh, both former Red Stars during WPS, have also been invited into camp.

The Red Stars preseason schedule includes a trip to Marquette on March 24 with a 4:30pm CT kickoff, as well as a visit to Notre Dame on April 3 with a 7pm ET start. In between will be an out-of-state trip to Austin, Texas, from March 25-31, which includes multiple potential match-ups to be announced at a later date.

The Red Stars will play the 2013 home season at Village of Lisle - Benedictine University Sports Complex in the western suburbs of Chicago. This season at Benedictine will feature VIP field-side and goal-line seating, as well as a beer-garden, and open pregame tailgating. With the additional seating options, the total seating capacity will be around 3,600 spectators.

Each of the league's eight clubs will play a total of 22 games during a 19-week span this season, with a high percentage of games being played on weekends and holidays. The top four teams from regular season play will qualify for the NWSL playoffs and compete in the semifinals Saturday, Aug. 24. The NWSL will crown its inaugural champion after the final on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Season tickets are on sale now and feature three options: General $165, Club $200, and VIP Fieldside $495. Single game and group tickets also available at chicagoredstars.com or 773-697-8699.

2013 Preseason Roster:

Shannon Boxx
M

Zakiya Bywaters
M/F

Lori Chalupny
M

Natalia Daniels
M/F

Maribel Dominguez
F

Lauren Fowlkes
D/F

Dinora Garza
M

Hanna Gilmore
M/F

Taryn Hemmings
D

Jen Hoy
F

Erin Kane
GK

Ella Masar
F

Alyssa Mautz
M

Jessica McDonald
F

Michelle Wenino
D

Erin McLeod
GK

Carmelina Moscato
D

Leslie Osborne
M

Rachel Quon
D

Jackie Santacaterina
D

Julianne Sitch
M

Maureen Smunt
M

Lindsay Tarpley
M/F

Taylor Vancil
GK

Lydia Vandenbergh
D

Alissa VonderHaar
M

Michelle Wenino
D

Stay tuned to www.chicagoredstars.com for further details or follow the team on twitter @chicagoredstars and facebook.com/chicagoredstars.